Alexandria Times Vol. 16, No.46 Alexandria’s only independent hometown newspaper. NOVEMBER 12, 2020 “It's not over yet. We've got a few battles ahead of us, but let's take this moment to celebrate. We've got a lot of work to do. Let's do it.” -Mo Seifeldein, member, Alexandria City Council Alexandrians react to 2020 election City registrar discusses ballot ahead of us, but let’s take this moment processing to celebrate. We’ve got a lot of work to BY CODY MELLO-KLEIN do. Let’s do it.” “Our nation has its first woman and After a tense post-Election Day tally, first African American Vice President” former Vice President Joe Biden is pro- state Del. Charniele Herring wrote on jected to be the country’s 46th presi- Facebook. “Hope for our nation’s future dent, and Alexandria’s residents have has been restored. Congratulations Vice expressed a mix of relief, bewilderment President-elect Kamala Harris & Presi- and, for some, disappointment. dent-elect Joe Biden!” Biden’s lead in his home state of Biden and Harris won Virginia ear- Pennsylvania put him over the 270 ly on Election Day, and incumbent Sen. electoral vote threshold on Saturday, Mark Warner (D) and Congressman Don securing a path to the White House for Beyer (D) won their re-election bids as himself and Vice President-elect Ka- well. mala Harris. Soon after, Nevada turned The city’s voters overwhelmingly blue. Biden’s electoral lead currently supported Biden, with 80.28% voting PHOTO/MISSY SCHROTT stands at 290-217 over President Don- for Biden and 17.63% voting for Trump, Members of Open ACPS, a grassroots group advocating that Alexandria City ald Trump. according to the Virginia Department Public Schools reopen for in-person learning, have been distributing yard signs to share their message. Local Democratic elected officials of Elections. In addition, 1.24% of res- started weighing in almost immediately idents voted for libertarian candidate on social media after the news broke on Jo Jorgensen and 0.85% wrote in candi- Saturday. dates. Parent activists push “Monumental win for our democ- Voter turnout in Alexandria, which racy. Monumental win for our nation,” hit 82,773 according to the city’s reg- Councilor Mo Seifeldein said in a Face- istrar Angela Turner, surpassed that for ACPS reopening book video he published on Sunday. “… It’s not over yet. We’ve got a few battles SEE ELECTION 2020 | 4 Grassroots group criti- or a perceived lack thereof. cizes schools’ transpar- The group, which calls itself INSIDE ency, pace of planning Open ACPS, is advocating that BY MISSY SCHROTT ACPS make in-person instruc- tion available to all students so Community Business A group of parents and com- that parents can have a choice of Elderly man lifts 500-pound grave- Alexandria chef wins Food munity members have taken a in-person or virtual learning. The stone off dog walker. Network’s ‘Chopped.’ stand against Alexandria City Page 10 Page 12 Public Schools’ reopening plan – SEE OPEN ACPS | 9 pa PORT CITY ee ge Our food and drink section featuring all s Flavor things culinary in Alexandria 19 2 |NOVEMBER 12, 2020 ALEXANDRIA TIMES Thank you! This holiday season, we are thankful for the support of our clients, family, and friends who make our Alexandria community such a special place to live and work. We hope that you are able to enjoy the holidays safely with your loved ones, and as always if you are ever in need of guidance surrounding your real estate investments, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our Alexandria experts. Pia Taylor The Goodhart Group [email protected] [email protected] The Rivkin Group Homes of Alexandria Team [email protected] [email protected] Compass is a licensed real estate brokerage that abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Compass is licensed as Compass Real Estate in DC and as Compass in Virginia and Maryland. 1006 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 | 703.277.2152 WWW.ALEXTIMES.COM NOVEMBER 12, 2020 | 3 WEEKLY BRIEFING Del Pepper will not run for re-election Councilor Del Pepper an- on the needs of our city and be Pepper will officially retire Chamber ALX nounced on Tuesday that af- working hard at that,” Pepper when the new council is sworn ter 35 years on City Council, said. “I have to keep up with in in January 2022. she will not seek re-election these young whippersnappers “I could just not imagine celebrates for another term. on council.” the City Council without Del First elected to the Alex- Pepper announced her re- Pepper on it,” Mayor Justin andria City Council in 1985, tirement early so that candi- Wilson said. “We’re going to 40 under 40 Pepper has served 12 consec- dates interested in running for have many, many opportuni- utive terms. Stating the rea- council in 2021 can begin pre- ties over the next year to rec- The Alexandria Cham- kless Jr, Amanda Hayes Ru- son for her retirement, Pep- paring their campaigns, she ognize Del’s historic service to ber of Commerce celebrat- dolph, Beth Inglis, Grant per said, “It’s my time.” said. The City Council election this body. … Del has been an ed its annual 40 under 40 Alan Joiner, Lisa Kief- “I will, of course, complete will take place in November absolute icon for this city for awards ceremony virtually er, Rachel Lazarus, Hel- my current term and you can 2021, following a Democratic really a lifetime of service.” this year. en Lee, Garrett McGuire, be sure that I will be focusing Party primary in June 2021. [email protected] Each year, the chamber Catherine Miller, Katelin names 40 emerging busi- T. Moomau, Jeremy Ryan ness leaders in the city un- Moss, Courtney Overton, der the age of 40. Clinton Page, Sarah Phil- The Twig starts new fundraising campaign This year, the winners lips, Emma Quinn, Megan “Together We Ignite Inova and the broader Alex- The Twig made a were: Andres Acosta II, Ritter Judt, Sam Silverlieb, Giving,” a new fundraising andria community. $100,000 contribution to Councilman Canek Agu- Josh Simon, Christopher campaign from the Junior The COVID-19 pandemic Inova’s COVID-19 Emer- irre, Chelsea Anderson, Suarez, Natalie Ivana Ta- Auxiliary of Inova Alexan- has impacted many of The gency Preparedness Fund Chris Arnold, Allen Car- lis, John Taylor III, Dan- dria Hospital, the Twig, be- Twig’s fundraising efforts in May but hopes to provide rington Brooks, Virginia iel Teka, Nathan Toews, gins on Sunday, according to this year, including the more support through the Bush, Jessica Du Bois, An- Marisa Tordella, Steven E. a news release. 78th annual Historic Alex- “Together We Ignite Giv- drew D. Garrahan, Shawna Ulrich, Adrianna Vallario, Through the campaign, andria Homes Tour, which ing” campaign, according Gary, Marcy Giannunzio, Dr. Joshua W. Walker and companies and organiza- was cancelled, according to to the release. Ariana Gordillo, Adrianne Kayla Yingst. tions will be able to support the release. [email protected] Griffith, Gresham W. Har- [email protected] Babs Beckwith Specializing in Old Town Properties for 25+ Years 11 Wilkes Street ~ $1,525,000 Experience luxurious riverfront living in this distinctive 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath Harborside home graced by elegant interiors, elevator and unparalleled craftsmanship. Rich hardwood floors, two gas fireplaces, handsome millwork, and skylights. A new Lobkovich kitchen adjoins the family room featuring river views from floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Spacious master suite with built-in cabinetry, walk-in California closet, and spa-like marble bath. Enjoy glistening river vistas on the private patio ideal for relaxing or entertaining. Two car garage parking completes this lovely home. Shown by appointment…Call Babs to preview this fine residence! cell 703.627.5421 | OldTownAlexandriaLiving.com | [email protected] 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 | 703.549.9292 | Equal Housing Opportunity 4 |NOVEMBER 12, 2020 ALEXANDRIA TIMES ELECTION 2020 FROM | 1 country and state and new The city reacts Many Democrats ex- prised by the outcome in voting measures put in place Nationally and at the pressed a common sentiment the city, they were still dis- of 2016, 75,770, and 2012, by the General Assembly, state level, Democrats took after the news on Saturday: appointed. President-elect 73,541, hitting a total of about Alexandrians cast their bal- home a victory against a the need for strong, moral Biden’s message of national 79% voter turnout. Although lots by mail and in advance president who spent the days leaders that attempt to unite unity failed to connect with unlike in previous years, most of Nov. 3 in record numbers. after Election Day calling the nation during a pandem- Mike Lane, a member of the of those ballots were cast pri- According to Turner, 66,154 for legal action, demanding ic and economic crisis. Alexandria Republican Com- or to Election Day. Alexandrians, 79.92% of the recounts and repeating un- “Virginians want re- mittee, who said he does not With the COVID-19 pan- vote total, voted early either proven conspiracies about sponsible mainstream gov- believe Biden will bridge the demic still raging across the by mail or in person. the election process. ernments, and I think that’s gap between parties. what Virginia Democrats “He’s got to tell his own have been able to show time party, at his own peril, that and again,” Warner said in a he is going to lead the charge speech after he was re-elect- in terms of meeting the Re- ed.